Degradada

Degradada is the feminine form of the Spanish adjective degradado, used to describe something that has been reduced in value, quality, condition, or dignity, or that has deteriorated in some way. The term can apply to physical objects, spaces, or abstract situations, indicating a decline from a previous standard or state.

Etymology and related forms: Degradada comes from the verb degradar, which in turn derives from the Latin degradare, formed by de- “down” and gradus “step” or “grade.” Related nouns include degradación (degradation) and degradante (degradative or degrading).

Usage and examples: Degradada is commonly used to describe deteriorated environments or structures, such as una zona degradada (a degraded area) or un edificio degradado (a deteriorated building). It can also characterize conditions or qualities, for example, condiciones degradadas, servicios degradados, or suelo degradado (degraded soil). The word functions as a descriptive attribute that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, appearing after or before the noun in modern Spanish, as in una zona degradada or el paisaje degradado.

Notes: While degradada is primarily an adjective, the corresponding noun form is degradación. In most contexts, la degradada as a standalone noun phrase is uncommon and would be context-dependent or stylistic, rather than standard usage.

See also: degradación, degradar, degradante, deterioro.